We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Dr. Jasmonae Joyriel. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Dr. Jasmonae below.
Dr. Jasmonae, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. It’s always helpful to hear about times when someone’s had to take a risk – how did they think through the decision, why did they take the risk, and what ended up happening. We’d love to hear about a risk you’ve taken.
I believe every new risk I take is the next biggest risk because it is pushing me to grow, to evolve more than I have thus far, to more deeply understand myself, my values, my purpose in this life. When I became a psychologist, I knew it connected to my core threads. It was something I was energized by, I excelled at, and I tremendously enjoyed it. It was not until I found myself limited by corporate structures that I realized it was also my life’s purpose. I could do good work, but I could not accomplish transformative work. So I took the risk of creating my own practice. At the time, I thought this was a humongous risk. I had never been in business and never felt the weight of being fully accountable to so many I served.
As I settled in, I grew beyond my wildest dreams and my clients never failed at making me rise to the occasion and holding me to the highest standards of care. Their courage to do hard work and trust in me to guide them in session inspired me to dig deeper and think bigger for how I could offer more to those I serve. I looked for common threads that disrupted our work and the obstacles that got in the way of lasting transformational growth. After some time I notice the common factors that prevented many clients from discovering sustainable solutions. They often felt alone in their transformational journey and they often worked to create change in an environment that stayed the same. These challenges inspired me to create Ignite Anew Immersive Healing Retreats.
Ignite Anew Immersive Healing Retreats is the biggest risk I’ve taken to date. Not only is it beyond what I ever saw myself doing professionally, it aims to create healing on a much larger scale. Retreats create an ecosystem of healing, inviting diverse approaches to care and nurturing a collective mindset that affirms, “You are not alone.” In these experiences I reimagine my work as a psychologist. I am once again confronting the existing limitations of care and setting out to find better solutions to those I serve. While this risk has been the most challenging and terrifying yet, it has also been the most profound and life-changing endeavor ever.
Dr. Jasmonae, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
I am Dr. Jasmonae Joyriel, a licensed psychologist specializing in trauma, relationships, and sex therapy. With nearly a decade of dedicated study on how past experiences impact our human needs and behaviors, I’ve gained invaluable insights from working in diverse settings, ranging from mental health centers to Veteran Affairs. My journey has provided a behind-the-scenes look at the intricate connections between the past and present, revealing the toll it can take on an individual’s ability to thrive. For me, it’s not just about mindset; it’s about mind-health.
Drawing from over 9 years of formal training in psychology and more than 4 years of independent practice, I merge expertise with real-world experience. Beyond my professional background, I credit my time working as a server and hairstylist for teaching me valuable lessons about serving and connecting with others. This forms the foundation of my flourishing therapy practice, Eros Rising, PLLC.
In my work, I have collaborated with over 200 clients, guiding them to identify what’s not working in their lives, explore their true feelings, and create a safe space to discover their needs and the best path forward. My approach involves fostering curiosity, applying critical analysis, and emphasizing embodiment. I guide clients away from overthinking, back to their bodies, and empower them to take control of their lives. It’s transformative to move from merely “figuring it out” to truly “feeling it out.”
Navigating the complexities of being human is challenging, and doing “homework” alone can feel isolating. I reject the notion of clients being resistant; instead, I aim to explore patterns when they emerge. Recognizing the difficulty of introspective work, I founded Ignite Anew to provide support and guidance, acknowledging that the journey to self-discovery is not meant to be traveled alone.
Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?
I like to tell people I am uniquely suited to dealing with unusually difficult “shit.” Growing up as a military brat, I moved every 3-4 years throughout my childhood. These moves came with a constant sense of loss that left me “a novice at nurturing relationships and terrified of feeling unlovable.” I often reinvented myself in an effort to fit the place I called “home.”
The result was first-hand experience with seeing how much our environment influences how we make meaning of the world around us. Through these experiences, I learned the invaluable lesson that context matters in understanding one’s environment. I learned people are so different and yet not at all. They wanted to be seen, heard, and celebrated. They needed permission, passion, and pleasure. We were in so many ways the same.
But those were not the only obstacles. The lessons not quite understood in childhood would become nearly fatal in adulthood. My fear of intimacy, acceptance, and developing secure attachments would lead me to a marriage that would turn violent and nearly cost me my life. While it would be easy to solely blame my ex-husband, I know I had my own insecurities that motivated me to stay too long.
The ending of that marriage and the subsequent entry into “single motherdom” came during the onset of the pandemic. It was here, I adopted the mindset of taking it one breath, one step, and one day at a time. This “horrific chapter” also acted as the spark that ignited my desire for a better life. I wanted to live a life I truly craved, unapologetically! No longer interested in pursuing a life of survival, I wanted to thrive. To do this and get where I am today, I needed help. I was amazed to find love, compassion, and guidance in the most unexpected places.
I walked the walk, sitting on the other side of the couch and working to heal old wounds. I confronted the yucky parts. I forgave the angry parts. I healed the broken parts. I will always need others. I will always have scars that have healed. I will have days that are harder than others. And I will always continue to evolve and thrive!
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
One of my favorite lines is “Don’t Be Afraid To Fire Your Therapist.” It may seem a bit cheeky, but I really mean it. Me included (you can totally fire me, no offense taken). I find that doing great work means you need someone you can do great work with. That goes beyond their skillset and gets down to the intimacy and trust within the professional relationship.
A highly skilled professional doesn’t necessarily mean they are the right professional to work with. You have to have someone who speaks your language, someone you can settle in with and trust to guide you through the weeds and forest. This simple phrase gives clients the power, which is rightfully theirs. It’s not my fault if we aren’t a good fit. But it’s not theirs either.
Relationships are these intricate webs that have been woven by our values, our identities, and our experiences. When it comes to growth and evolution, you need the right fit. I believe my reputation with my clients comes from truly honoring this reality. While I love feedback and always aim to improve, I know my approach will not work for everyone. But what I can offer to everyone is my ability to encourage and empower you to do what is best for you!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://igniteanew.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/ignite_anew
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ignite.Anew.LLC
- Linkedin: https://linkedin.com/dr-jasmonae-joyriel
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ShytTheyDidntTellUs
Image Credits
Photos by Felicia Reed Photography and Gypsy Girl Photography